Plan to cull Block Island deer postponed

There are an estimated 800 to 1,000 deer on the 9.5-square-mile island. Officials had hoped to reduce that number by 200 this winter.

NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (AP) — A plan to cull deer on Block Island has been postponed.

The Providence Journal reports that the New Shoreham Town Council voted on Friday to delay the culling after the sharpshooting team hired to do the job raised several concerns, including about a state law that bans the use of noise suppressors on firearms.

Town Manager Nancy Dodge says they are putting off the culling until the fall or next winter. In the meantime, she says she hopes the state law can be changed.

There are an estimated 800 to 1,000 deer on the 9.5-square-mile island. Officials had hoped to reduce that number by 200 this winter. They ultimately hope to reduce the population to 100 to 150 due to concerns about damage to land and tick-borne disease.